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Uganda’s Commonwealth Games Movement Partners with TOOKE as Rev. Prof. Florence Muranga Named Nutrition Ambassador
By Grace Joyce Kemigisa
Uganda’s preparations for upcoming international competitions have received a major boost following a partnership between the Commonwealth Games movement in Uganda and TOOKE Company, a local food manufacturing initiative known for producing nutritious products from Uganda’s traditional banana crop. As part of the collaboration, Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga has been appointed Nutrition Ambassador for athletes preparing for both the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.
The partnership was highlighted during celebrations marking the Commonwealth Day at The Olive School in Namugongo, where students, partners, and sports officials gathered to celebrate the shared heritage of Commonwealth nations while promoting environmental responsibility among young people.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Donald Rukare, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation Uganda, emphasized the importance of engaging young people in sports, environmental conservation, and national pride.
He noted that Commonwealth Day is an opportunity for the 74 Commonwealth territories to celebrate their shared legacy and values. At the Olive School event, students participated in environmental activities such as cleaning their school surroundings, aligning with the day’s theme of protecting waterways and maintaining a clean environment.
Dr. Rukare also highlighted the excitement among students about the upcoming games in Glasgow, saying many were already aware that the next competitions will take place in Scotland.
A key highlight of the event was the formal partnership with TOOKE Company, which produces a range of food products made from banana flour, including porridge, biscuits, cakes, scones, and chapati flour.
Dr. Rukare described the collaboration as a “natural fit,” that the high-energy carbohydrate content of TOOKE products can play an important role in fueling athletes during training and competition.
The products were also showcased to students at the event, where they were enthusiastically received.
“We look forward to seeing TOOKE products fueling our athletes at the Commonwealth Games and even the Olympic Games,” he said.
As the newly appointed Nutrition Ambassador, Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga explained the scientific innovation behind the TOOKE products.
She said that the banana flour used in their foods contains slow-digesting starch (SDS), a type of carbohydrate that releases energy gradually. This makes it especially beneficial for individuals involved in high-energy activities such as sports or military service.
“The slow release of energy ensures that athletes do not run out of stamina during intense activity,” Prof. Muranga explained.
She added that the products also support digestive health because the flour ferments in the large intestine, helping to prevent constipation a common problem for people who rely on energy-dense snacks during strenuous activities.
Through the partnership, the company hopes to design innovative nutrition products tailored specifically for athletes competing at international levels.
During her address to students, Prof. Muranga also encouraged young people to pursue careers in science and innovation.
She shared how her childhood curiosity about why bananas were cooked traditionally rather than processed like wheat inspired her research. That curiosity eventually led to the development of banana flour and a range of innovative food products.
“Science gives children the power to ask the right questions and find solutions,” she said. “It allows them to add value to the resources around them.”
Athletes have welcomed the partnership, saying it will contribute significantly to performance and preparation.
Shadir Bwogi from the Athletes Commission of the Commonwealth Games Association Uganda described the collaboration as an important step forward.
He said the support from TOOKE will help provide athletes with the nutrition they need during training and competition.
“As athletes, it’s a good day for us because we are receiving support that will help fuel our training,” Bwogi said, wishing Uganda’s athletes the best as they prepare for Glasgow.
The partnership between the Commonwealth Games movement in Uganda and TOOKE represents a blend of sports, science, and local innovation. By combining traditional agricultural products with modern nutritional science, Uganda hopes to strengthen its athletes’ performance on the global stage.
With preparations underway and new partnerships forming, Uganda’s athletes are gearing up to represent the country with determination at the upcoming Commonwealth Games and potentially the Olympic Games beyond.
